Travelling with kids can be a bit like shooting a herd of wild goats on vacation. Whether they're your own or somebody else's, factoring a child's needs to your journeys involves a lot more than sticking on a CD full of pop songs and making toilet stops. Here two Rough Guides writers discuss their hard-won wisdom. First up, mum of two Hayley Spurway offers advice on traveling with toddlers, subsequently Ross McGovern reveals how he manages to travel with older children. Hayley Spurway's tips for traveling with toddlers
Brand them
In case you're likely to be travelling through busy, crowded airports or transport hubs, write your cellular number on your kid 's arm in biro in case they get lost.
Bear in Mind the baby wipes
Even if all of your children are long out of nappies, don't forget the baby wipes. They're useful for washing machine, cleaning toilet chairs, and wiping down restaurant tables. In the exact same spirit, little bottles of hand cleanser may be a lifesaver in a few countries, but check the journey regulations for liquids well beforehand.
Keep fleas
Whether you're travelling to Paignton or Peru, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer are handbag essentials. A wipe of the cutlery in restaurants at which you're unsure of hygiene, or a squirt of hand sanitizer if there's no washing facilities, can zap a few germs and prevent toddlers catching some bugs that are common.
Keep the actions coming
In case you're heading out on a lengthy journey have a collection of toys to be passed out once an hour. Handheld puzzles, tiny colouring books, stickers, wordsearches and even very small packs of Plasticine will pass the time on a long flight or car travel.
Book ahead
Whether you're camping or staying in hotels, it pays to book ahead. Attempting to retain the spontaneity of travel BC (Before Kids ) doesn't pay off in the event that you arrive at your destination to discover you can't bag a bed or pitch and have to hit the road again with exhausted, hungry toddlers melting down in the backseat.
Check your passports
Children's passports only last five decades and they have a habit of running out once you're not looking. Allow at least four weeks to rekindle one. The expense of a last-minute passport is astronomical, and especially galling if you only realise it's necessary when already in the ferry queue in Calais. Don't ask us how we know that. We just do.
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